Welcome to Cloudcroft, New Mexico

Hot Links About Cloudcroft Attractions Weather, Map & Directions Events Visitor, Relocation & Community Information

About Cloudcroft, New Mexico    
  Located in the heart of the Lincoln National Forest, Cloudcroft sits at an elevation of 9,000 feet above sea level, and boasts a small population of about 768 full time residents. Cloudcroft’s average winter temperatures of 45/23 degrees, average summer temperatures of 75/50 degrees, and average rainfall of 37 inches, snowfall of 57 inches, afford for a wide variety of things for all ages to do and see. Camping, hiking, fishing, tennis, golf, skiing, skating, sledding, and the rich assortment of museums, State Parks, and monuments, give Cloudcroft a well-rounded list of cultural points of interest that go along with a full array of outdoor activities.
  Over 100 years ago in June of 1898, the El Paso and Northeastern Railroads got together and sent a survey crew to the area, realizing the growing need there would be for timber and railroad ties to support the growing mining industry. The results of the survey came back extremely positive, saying not only could the rails be laid down, but the overall beauty of the area would definitely attract many visitors. So, the name Cloudcroft [pasture for the clouds] was suggested and accepted, and the first train rolled into Cloudcroft in the early 1900s.
  With the increase of the automobile and the use of trucks, the line eventually began to lose money, and by 1947 the last train made its way to Cloudcroft. But as a result of Cloudcroft’s ideal location on U.S. Highway 82, the area is still easily accessed from both the east and west, keeping Cloudcroft alive and well.
       
Cloudcroft, New Mexico - Attractions & Activities   
Apache Point Observatory: Features the Astrophysical Research Consortium's 3.5-meter telescope, the Sloan Digital Sky Survey 2.5-m telescope with a 20" photometric telescope, and New Mexico State University's 1.0-m telescope. Access to the telescopes and buildings is restricted, but the public is welcome to stroll the grounds. Located in the Lincoln National Forest, just 18 miles from Cloudcroft, NM, at. 2001 Apache Point Road, Sunspot, NM. Tel: (505) 437-6822
Cloudcroft Light Opera Company: Plays are performed free of charge and are held on scheduled nights at 7:30 p.m. in Zenith Park Pavilion, Cloudcroft. Tel: (505) 682-2042, Web: CloudcroftTheatre.com
Desert Lakes Golf Course: Public 18 hole golf course for all levels of players. 2351 Hamilton Dr. Desert Lakes, Cloudcroft. Tel: (505) 437-0290
James Sewell Ice Rink: Info: (505) 682-4585
Lincoln National Forest: Known as the birthplace of the world-famous Smokey Bear, the living symbol of the campaign to prevent forest fires. A popular hiking and camping destination, the Lincoln National Forest is made up of three major mountain ranges – the Sacramento, Guadalupe and Capitan, that cover 1,103,441 acres, in parts of four counties in southeastern New Mexico. Elevations range from 4,000 to 11,500 feet, and pass through five different life zones from Chihuahuan desert to sub-alpine forest. Info: Sacramento Ranger District Office, 61 Curlew, Cloudcroft. Tel: (505) 682-2551
National Solar Observatory: Operated by the National Science Foundation, self-guided tours are held daily. Guided tours 2 pm Saturdays, May-Oct. Outstanding views of White Sands and the Tularosa Basin. Tel: (505) 434-7000.
Ponderosa Pines Golf Course: 9 hole golf course at 8000ft, just 9 miles from Cloudcroft. Tel: (505) 682-2995
Ski Cloudcroft: Double chairlift, vertical drop 700ft, snowboarding, tubing with elevations of 8,350 – 9,050ft. Host to summer events. Tel: (505) 682-2333
The Lodge Golf Course: One of America's highest elevation courses, noted for its scenic beauty. Located next to the historic Lodge, in Cloudcroft. Tel: (505) 682-2566
Timberon Water and Sanitation District Golf Course: Swimming pool, trout pond and a nine hole golf course. Tel: (505) 987-2250
White Sands National Monument: Located about 45 miles west of Cloudcroft, White Sands National Monument covers about 275 square miles of the world's largest deposit of gypsum sand. Tel: (505) 679-2599; Web: Nps.gov/whsa.

Cloudcroft, New Mexico - Weather, Map & Directions     



Cloudcroft, New Mexico - Visitor, Relocation & Community Information 
Cloudcroft Chamber of Commerce: Tel: (505) 682-2733 or (866) 874-4447; Web: Cloudcroft.net